The ministry denied claims from Taliban insurgents that they shot down the light utility helicopter, saying its initial investigations pointed towards a technical fault during the routine flight.

“The investigation is now under way, and the area of the crash has been cordoned off,” an MoD spokeswoman said.

“We cannot go into further details. At this stage it is not known how long the investigation might last or when investigators will deliver their report, but it will be a thorough inquiry.”

Experts said the inquiry was likely to examine the aircraft’s log books and other documentation, in addition to weather conditions and whether the helicopter was conducting an authorized mission in accordance with its capabilities.

It is not thought that other Lynx helicopters in Afghanistan will be grounded.

The incident, “at this early stage, would appear to have been a tragic accident,” said Major General Richard Felton, commander of the British armed forces’ Joint Helicopter Command.

The loss, which comes just before the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operation in Afghanistan comes to an end in December after 13 years, brings the total number of British fatalities to 453.

Prime Minister David Cameron described the deaths as a “terrible tragedy.”